Nature’s Mysteries
Most of us (especially in Maine) have had the experience of walking through the woods and encountering a track in mud or snow that we can’t initially identify. Who or what has walked where I walk now? Nature so often provides these small mysteries as gifts to us. The great conservationist Rachel Carson wrote, “Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.” In a lifetime full of predictable work schedules, regimented diets, and history that repeats itself, nature is always there to create excitement around the unknown or the unexpected.
This week at Nature Links, we celebrated the mysteries of nature by analyzing photographs with intriguing patterns and unexpected vantage points. Participants worked in teams to communicate with each other about what they saw in each photograph and then collaborated to make guesses. Finally, the explanation of each photo was revealed. Want to try for yourself? Check out these nine photographs and ask yourself, “what made this track or mark?” or “what plant or animal am I looking at? You’ll find the answers at the end of this post.
Let’s see how you did! Check below for answers as well as some fabulous videos and photos to help explain the pattern, track, or phenomenon.
Photo #1- Curled millipede
Exhibiting its main defense mechanism, a millipede curls into a tight spiral. In this fashion, it protects its legs—on average between 100 and 300, not the thousand its name suggests—inside its body (photograph by George Grall).
Photo #2- Salmon scales
The scales of an Atlantic salmon, such as these on a fish in Quebec, Canada, can help biologists determine the fish's age (photograph by Paul Nicklen).
Photo #3- Lichens
Lichens grow on a granite gravestone in Lake Champlain, New York (photograph by Stephen Sharnoff).
Photo #4- Sunflower
Beads of dew cling to the florets that spiral inside a sunflower head (photograph by Jezsef Szentpeteri).
Photo #5- Otter tracks
Tracks in the snow are made by otters as they slip and slide like children sledding. Check out this very cute video for proof! (photograph by Edwin Barkdoll).
Photo #6- Drying fronds
Fronds dry in neat lines around a tree in Kenya (photograph by Robert Haas).
Photo #7- woodpecker hole in a saguaro cactus
Gila woodpeckers make themselves a comfy home despite the thorns on a saguaro cactus. Check out this video to watch the gila woodpecker in action!
Photo #8- deer beds
This photo shows an impression made by a white-tailed deer after it found a cozy resting spot in the grass. For a visual, check out this incredible video (photographs by Katherine Wolkoff).
Photo #9- Snapping turtle shell
The bony plates of a snapping turtle's carapace protect it from predators. Snappers are freshwater turtles found in much of North America (photograph by Darlyne Murawski).
